Declared Keeper by Susan E. Kreuter
Two-plate photopolymer aquatint printed on Magnani Pescia paper and Washi paper applied chine collé
Image size: 10.5” x 10.25”
Declared Keeper
To be the keepers of the light
Every day and every night
Through the turbulent waves and the foggy mist
In the pursuit of happiness and for all,
Justice.
The light that shines guides us safely ashore
As we navigate our freedoms and security evermore.
When Thomas Jefferson put his pen to paper and scribed a
message to a nation,
A birth was announced with this declaration.
The traveling parchment became tattered and torn,
With years of display it was faded and worn.
Copper plates were engraved for “press copies” to be made
And, set in type, broadsides were printed to distribute and save.
With a determination to keep and the strength to hold
These eloquent words written many years ago,
So as not to let them slip away,
Reflect in hope and guide our day.
Let us cherish these familiar words,
This treasured document we have read or have heard.